Electric device, power management system including the electric device, and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

A power management apparatus includes an electric device including a plurality of operation algorithm information and power information for each operation level corresponding to each operation algorithm information, and a power management unit to receive power rate information from a power provider, determine an operation level of the electric device on the basis of the received power rate information and power information for each operation level of the electric device, and control an operation of the electric device at the determined operation level. As a result, the power management apparatus performs different operation algorithms according to power rate information, and controls power consumption of the electric device, such that energy efficiency at the user side can be maximized. In response to the changed power rate information, the currently-driven electric device and the electric device to be driven can be driven at the optimum operation level appropriate for their power consumption characteristics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/137,027, filed on Jul. 15, 2011, which claims the benefit of KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2010-0094136, filed on Sep. 29, 2010 in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to an electric device for balancing power supply anddemand by adjusting power consumption, a power management systemincluding the electric device, and a method for controlling the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the development of Information Technology (IT), the number ofhousehold appliances powered by electricity is rapidly increasing, inturn leading to increasing power consumption. In order to satisfy suchincreased power demand, the number of power plants is rapidlyincreasing. However, as can be seen from a power demand pattern, peakcapacity is not reached during most days of the year, that is to say,power plants only operate at full capacity during a few days out of theyear.

A state in which a high power demand is required for a short time iscalled peak load. During periods of peak load, electricity costs themost to generate and deliver, and therefore power providers raise thepower rate charged to consumers during periods of peak load.Construction costs for adding an additional power plant to the grid areextremely high and maintenance costs for power plants constructed tomaintain peak load for a short period are considerable.

Recently, numerous developers are conducting intensive research into ademand management method for temporarily restricting power consumptionby limiting peak load without constructing such additional power plants.For the aforementioned purposes, demand management is a focus ofattention, and a great deal of research is focused upon an advanceddemand management format for demand response (DR).

DR is a system for intelligently managing energy consumption dependingupon variation in power rates. For example, the consumer may temporarilystop an air-conditioner so as to reduce power consumption when powerrates are high.

By means of the DR, a power-supply source can alter end user powerconsumption to achieve load balancing and can restrict end user powerconsumption to periods when demand is low, thereby reducing the user'soverall energy expenditure.

Therefore, an electric device to which demand response (DR) is appliedhas been developed. The electric device receives real-time power rateinformation from the power-supply source or the power provider, and isturned on or off in response to the received power rate information.

Since the electric device is turned on or off according to the powerrates, the electric device is unable to effectively perform functionsdesired by the user.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect to provide an electric device which decidesan operation level on the basis of power rate levels and is controlledby an operation algorithm corresponding to the decided operation level,a power management system including the electric device, and a methodfor controlling the same.

It is another aspect to provide an electric device which decides anoperation level in response to a discomfort degree of a user or consumerand is controlled by an operation algorithm in response to the decidedoperation level, a power management system including the electricdevice, and a method for controlling the same.

It is another aspect to provide an electric device which decides anoperation level using an operation level decision process for each groupand is controlled by an operation algorithm corresponding to the decidedoperation level, a power management system including the electricdevice, and a method for controlling the same.

It is another aspect to provide an electric device which additionallygenerates a user-desired operation algorithm, a power management systemincluding the electric device, and a method for controlling the same.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the invention.

In accordance with one aspect, a power management system includes anelectric device including a plurality of operation algorithm informationand power information for each operation level corresponding to eachpiece of operation algorithm information; and a power management unit toreceive power rate information from a power provider, determine anoperation level of the electric device on the basis of the receivedpower rate information and power information for each operation level ofthe electric device, and control an operation of the electric device atthe determined operation level.

The power information includes maximum power consumption, average powerconsumption, and an operation time during which power is consumed.

The power management unit determines a group of the electric device onthe basis of an operation time of the electric device, and determinesthe operation level on the basis of the group of the electric device.

The group includes a first group in which it is possible to establish anoperation time of the electric device, a second group in which it isimpossible to establish the operation time of the electric device, and athird group in which it is impossible to establish the operation timeand the operation level of the electric device.

The power management unit reflects the power rate for each operationlevel and a discomfort degree for each operation level into the decidingof the operation level of the electric device.

If the electric device is in the first group, the power management unitreflects the power rate information, average power consumption for eachoperation level, an operation time for each operation level, and adiscomfort degree for each operation level, thereby deciding theoperation level.

If the electric device is in the first group, the power management unitcontrols the electric device at an operation level decided when theelectric device begins to operate, until reaching an operation end time.

If the electric device is in the first group, the power management unitconfirms a variation in power rate information within a predeterminedtime, and if the power rate is changed in a low level, the powermanagement unit informs a user of a standby time consumed until thepower rate information begins to change.

If the electric device is in the second group, the power management unitcalculates an average operation time of the electric device, reflectsthe calculated average operation time, average power consumption, powerrate information, a discomfort degree for each operation level, and thusdetermines an operation level.

If the electric device is in the second group, the power management unitcalculates an average operation time of the electric device, reflectsthe calculated average operation time, the number of variation times ofpower rate information contained in the average operation time, averagepower consumption, and a discomfort degree for each operation level, andthus determines an operation level.

If the electric device is in the second group, the power management unitreflects an operation time from an operation start time point of theelectric device to a specific time where the power rate information ischanged, power rate information, and a discomfort degree for eachoperation level, and thus determines the operation level.

If the electric device is in the second group, the power managementapparatus controls the electric device at an operation level decided atthe operation start time point of the electric device, and re-decidesthe operation level at the specific time where the power rateinformation is changed.

The power management unit includes a display to display the re-decidedoperation level, and a sound unit to audibly output the re-decidedoperation level.

If the electric device is in the third group, the power management unitinforms a user of a time having a minimum power rate for each power rateinformation.

The operation level includes a standby level at which power informationis established when the electric device stays in a standby state.

If the decided operation level exceeds predetermined allowedinstantaneous power or a monthly predetermined power rate, the powermanagement unit is controlled in the standby level.

The power management unit includes a display to display a specific timewhere the power rate information is changed, a changed power rate level,and an operation level assigned to the changed power rate level, whenthe electric device is controlled in the standby level; and a sound unitto audibly output the specific time where the power rate information ischanged, a changed power rate level, and an operation level assigned tothe changed power rate level.

If several electric devices are present and the several electric devicesare simultaneously driven, the power management unit decides anoperation level according to priority information of the severalelectric devices.

The electric device includes a display to display at least one of thedecided operation level, an operation time for each operation level, anda power rate for each operation level; and a sound unit to audiblyoutput at least one of the decided operation level, an operation timefor each operation level, and an expected power rate for each operationlevel.

The electric device includes an input unit to receive an operation leveladdition signal as an input, and further receive a function constructingthe operation algorithm as an input; and a controller to additionallyestablish an operation level corresponding to the added function, andtransmit power information of the established operation level to thepower management unit.

In accordance with another aspect, a method for controlling a powermanagement system includes receiving power information for eachoperation level from an electric device; determining a group of theelectric device; storing the determined group information and powerinformation for each operation level; receiving power rate informationfrom a power provider; determining an operation level of the electricdevice on the basis of power information and power rate information foreach operation level; and controlling the electric device using anoperation algorithm corresponding to the determined operation level.

The determining of the group includes, if the operation time of theelectric device is established, determining the electric device to be afirst group; if the operation time of the electric device is notestablished, determining the electric device to be a second group; andif an operation level and an operation time of the electric device arenot established, determining the electric device to be a third group.

The determining of the operation level of the electric device furtherincludes reflecting a discomfort degree for each operation level.

The determining of the operation level of the electric device includes,if the electric device is in the first group, calculating a power ratefor each operation level; reflecting a discomfort degree for eachoperation level to the power rate for each operation level so as tocalculate each level value; and determining a specific level having aminimum level value to be the operation level.

The method may further include, if the electric device is in the secondgroup, controlling the electric device in the range from an operationstart time point of the electric device to an operation end time pointof electric device at an operation level determined at the operationstart time point.

The method may further include, if the electric device is in the secondgroup, determining whether power rate information is changed within apredetermined time; and if the power rate is changed in a low level,informing a user of a standby time consumed until the power rateinformation begins to change.

The determining of the operation level of the electric device mayinclude calculating an average operation time of the electric device ifthe electric device is in the second group; calculating a power rate foreach operation level on the basis of the average operation time, thepower rate information, and average power consumption for each operationlevel; calculating each level value by reflecting a discomfort degreefor each operation level into the power rate for each operation level;and determining a specific level having a minimum level value to be anoperation level.

The determining of the operation level of the electric device mayinclude calculating an average operation time of the electric device ifthe electric device is in the second group; determining the number ofvariation times of the power rate information during the averageoperation time; generating a combination of operation levelscorresponding to the number of variation times of the power rateinformation; calculating a power rate for each operation levelcombination; reflecting a discomfort degree for each operation level ina power rate for each operation level combination so as to calculateeach level value; and determining a specific level having a minimumlevel value to be an operation level.

The determining of the operation level of the electric device mayinclude calculating a power rate for each operation level during apredetermined time from an operation start time of the electric deviceto an operation end time of the electric device; reflecting a discomfortdegree for each operation level in a power rate for operation level soas to calculate each level value; and determining a specific levelhaving a minimum level value to be an operation level.

The determining of the operation level of the electric device mayinclude controlling the electric device in an operation level decided atan operation start time of the electric device, if the electric deviceis in the second group; and re-determining the operation level at a timewhere the power rate information begins to change.

The method may further include informing a user of the re-determinedoperation level.

The method may further include, if the electric device is contained in athird group, informing a user of a predetermined time having a minimumpower rate for each power rate information.

The system may further include, if the decided operation level exceedspredetermined allowed instantaneous power or a monthly predeterminedmaximum power rate, controlling the electric device to enter a standbylevel where the electric device is maintained in a standby state.

The system may further include, if several electric devices are present,controlling the several electric devices to enter the standby level inascending numerical order of priority information.

The priority information of the several electric devices may be enteredand established by a user.

The system may further include, when the electric device is controlledin a standby level, indicating a time where the power rate informationis changed, the changed power rate information, and an operation levelassigned to the changed power rate information.

The system may further include informing a user of at least one of thedetermined operation level, an operation time for each operation level,and a power rate for each operation level.

The system may further include, if an additional operation level of theelectric device is established, receiving at least one functionconstructing an operation algorithm; generating power informationcorresponding to the selected function, and establishing/storing anoperation level; and transmitting the additionally-established operationlevel to a power management unit, wherein the power management unitupdates an operation level of the electric device.

The system may further include, if an operation level is entered by auser, controlling an operation of the electric device using an operationalgorithm corresponding to the entered operation level.

The method may further include determining a power rate level on thebasis of the received power rate information.

In accordance with another aspect, an electric device includes acommunication unit to receive power rate information from a powerprovider; a storage unit to store a plurality of operation algorithminformation and power information for each operation level correspondingto each of the operation algorithms; and a controller to determine anoperation level of the electric device on the basis of the power rateinformation and power information for each operation level of theelectric device, and control an operation of the electric device usingan operation algorithm corresponding to the determined operation level.

The controller may reflect a discomfort degree in the determining of theoperation level.

The electric device may further include an input unit to receive anoperation level from a user and receive an additional operation level asan input.

The power information may include average power consumption andoperation time information, and the controller, when determining theoperation level, receives information indicating whether the operationtime is established and performs an operation level decision processcorresponding to the information indicating whether the operation levelis established.

In accordance with another aspect, a method for controlling an electricdevice includes receiving power rate information from a power provider;determining an operation level on the basis of the power rateinformation and power information for each pre-stored operation level;and controlling an operation of the electric device using an operationalgorithm corresponding to the determined operation level.

The determining of the operation level may include determining whetheran operation time is established in the power information; if theoperation time is established in the power information, calculating apower rate for each operation level; reflecting a discomfort degree foreach operation level to the power rate for each operation level, andcalculating each level value; and determining an operation level havinga minimum level value to be an operation level.

The determining of the operation level may include determining whetherthe operation time is established in the power information; calculatingan average operation time, if the operation time is not established inthe power information; calculating a power rate for each operation levelon the basis of the average operation time, the power rate information,and average power consumption for each operation level; reflecting adiscomfort degree for each operation level into the power rate for eachoperation level so as to calculate each level value; and determining anoperation level having a minimum level value to be an operation level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the invention will become apparent andmore readily appreciated from the following description of theembodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a power management systemaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a power managementapparatus contained in a power management system and an electric deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 exemplarily shows the list of groups of electric devicescontained in a power management system according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B exemplarily show not only power information for eachoperation level of an electric device contained in a power managementsystem but also operation algorithm information according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a powermanagement system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 exemplarily shows a method for deciding an operation level of anelectric device belonging to a first or second group contained in apower management system according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B exemplarily show a method for deciding an operationlevel of an electric device belonging to a first group contained in apower management system according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 8A to 8C exemplarily show a method for deciding an operation levelof an electric device belonging to a second group contained in a powermanagement system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an electric device according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electricdevice according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a power management systemaccording to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagramillustrating a power management apparatus contained in a powermanagement system and an electric device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, a power management system includes a power provider100, a smartmeter 200, a power management apparatus 300, and an electricdevice 400.

The power provider 100 is a power supply source that is operated by apower supply company (utility company) which generates and suppliespower. The power provider 100 generates the power through atomic energy,hydroelectric power, geothermal power, wind power, etc., and providesthe generated power to electric devices 400 installed in homes.

In this case, in relation to the power provided to the electric devicesinstalled in homes, a predetermined amount of power is generated eachhour such that the generated amount of power is provided to each home.In contrast, different amounts of power are consumed in each homeaccording to individual periods. For example, power consumption of eachhome during a dawn or morning period is less than that during anotherperiod such as the afternoon or dusk. In addition, power consumption ofeach home in spring or autumn is less than that in summer or winter.

Therefore, the power provider 100 determines the power rate of a periodof low power consumption to be less than that of a high powerconsumption period, determines the power rate of a season of low powerconsumption to be less than a high power consumption season, andprovides power of the determined power rate to each home.

The power provider 100 controls power rates of each home to beelastically adjusted in response to power consumption of each home, andprovides the adjusted power to each home, such that demand can bebalanced.

That is, the power provider 100 predicts power consumption on the basisof the generation amount of electric power, the past power consumptioninformation for every season and every period, and weather information,and determines power rates on the basis of the predicted powerconsumption. In this case, it may also be possible to establish a powerrate level corresponding to the predicted power rate as necessary.

The power provider 100 collects power consumption amounts of individualhomes classified according to individual power rates, and stores thecollected power consumption information according to individual powerrates, such that the power-supply company calculates power rates(electricity bills) depending upon power consumption for individualpower rate levels of each home per month, and charges each home thecalculated electricity bills on a monthly basis.

The power provider 100 compares the periodically calculated monthlypower rate (monthly bills) with monthly predetermined power rates so asto decide power bills. If the calculated monthly power rates are higherthan the monthly predetermined power rates, information about the excessof the monthly predetermined power rates is transmitted to the powermanagement apparatus 300 installed in the corresponding home, such thatan event indicating the excess of monthly predetermined power rates isgenerated through the power management apparatus 300 installed in eachhome.

The power provider 100 stores a threshold power amount for each home,compares power consumption amount for each home with a threshold poweramount, and thus decides a power limit.

In this way, the power provider 100 manages the power demand of eachhome on the basis of the threshold power amount or the monthlypredetermined power rates.

In this case, the threshold power amount for limiting the power supplyof each home may be arbitrarily determined by the power supply company,or may be determined by agreement with the power supply company for eachhome. In addition, the monthly predetermined power rates of each homeare determined by agreement with the power supply company.

The power provider 100 stores and manages information about the excessof a threshold power amount for each consumer, power consumption stateinformation about the excess of the monthly predetermined power rates,and the like.

The power provider 100 is connected to the smartmeter 200 installed ineach home, the power management apparatus 300, and each electric device400 over a network, such that information regarding power demandmanagement can be transmitted and received over the network. Thisnetwork may be any of a wired network, a wireless network, awired/wireless hybrid network, etc.

The smartmeter 200 is installed in each home, and includes a displaysuch as a liquid crystal display (LCD), such that power consumed in eachhome is displayed in real time. The smartmeter 200 is an electronicmeter, which bidirectionally communicates with the power provider 100and transmits the consumed power amount to the power provider 100 andthe power management apparatus 300.

The smartmeter 200 receives power rate information from the powerprovider 100, displays the received power rate information, andtransmits the power rate information to the power management apparatus300. In addition, the smart meter 200 may further display a power ratelevel corresponding to the power rate information upon receiving thepower rate information from the power provider 100.

The power management apparatus (i.e., Energy Management System: EMS) 300may also be referred to as a Demand Response (DR) controller. The powermanagement apparatus 300 communicates with the smartmeter 200, and thusreceives a power rate and a power rate level corresponding to the powerrate from the smartmeter 200. In addition, the power managementapparatus 300 communicates with the electric device 400 to receiveinformation of the electric device 400, and controls the operation ofthe electric device 400 on the basis of the power rate level of thepower provider 100 and power information of the electric device 400.

The power management apparatus 300 may also establish a power rate levelon the basis of power rates upon receiving only the power rates from thepower provider 100.

In this case, the power management apparatus 300 receives power rateinformation of the power provider 100 through the smartmeter 200 atintervals of a unit time, and establishes a power rate level for eachpower rate information using the received power rate information foreach unit time.

In this case, the number of the power rate levels may be 4 (DR1 to DR4),and a plurality of levels may have different power rates and differentallowed instantaneous powers. Let us assume that the number of powerrate levels is 4 (DR1 to DR4). In more detail, the power rate level DR1is the lowest power rate level, and the power rate level DR4 is thehighest power rate level. Power rate level is proportional to powerrate.

The power management apparatus 300 receives information about excessthreshold power and information about excess monthly predetermined powerrates from the power provider 100, and informs the user of the receivedinformation.

When the power management apparatus 300 compares the predicted (orcurrent) instantaneous power amount with the allowed instantaneous poweramount, if the predicted (or current) instantaneous power amount isequal to or greater than the allowed instantaneous power amount, drivingof several electric devices 400 is controlled according to predeterminedpriority information, and the controlled result is output so as toinform the user of the controlled result.

Referring to FIG. 2, the power management apparatus 300 includes a firstcommunication unit 310, a first controller 320, a first storage unit330, a first display 340, a first sound unit 350, and a first input unit360.

The first communication unit 310 communicates with the smartmeter 200,receives the power rates and the power rate level informationcorresponding to the power rates from the smartmeter 200, and transmitsthe received power rates and the received power rate level informationto the first controller 320. The first communication unit 310communicates with the electric device 400, receives information of theelectric device 400 from the electric device 400, transmits the receivedinformation to the first controller 320, receives a driving controlsignal of the electric device 400 from the first controller 320, andtransmits the received signal to the electric device 400.

In this case, the information of the electric device 400 includeselectric device name information, power information, and the like. Ifthe electric device 400 is in the first group G1 or the second group G2,the power information may include maximum instantaneous power, averagepower consumption, and operation time information related to powerconsumption.

The electric device of the third group G3 is unable to establish anoperation level. The power information of the electric device of thethird group G3 includes maximum instantaneous power and average powerconsumption information.

The first communication unit 310 transmits variety user informationstored in the first storage unit 330 to the power provider 100, suchthat the power provider 100 can determine which home corresponds toinformation about power consumption for each time period.

The first controller 320 decides a group including each electric deviceon the basis of power information for each operation level of theelectric device 400 (400 a, 400 b, 400 c), and stores information aboutthe decided group in the first storage unit 330.

When deciding a group including each electric device, the firstcontroller 320 determines whether an operation time is assigned to powerinformation for each operation level. If the operation time is assignedto the power information for each operation level, the first group G1 isdecided. Otherwise, if the operation time is not assigned thereto, thefirst controller 320 determines whether an operation level can beestablished or not. In this case, if it is possible to establish theoperation level, the second group G2 is decided. Otherwise, if it isimpossible to establish the operation level, the third group G3 isdecided.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first group G1 includes a plurality of electricdevices (e.g., a washing machine, a dish washer, and a dryer) from amongseveral electric devices. In the case of the electric devices containedin the first group G1, it is possible to establish an operation time foreach operation level. Electric devices contained in the second group G2include an air-conditioner, a television, a vacuum cleaner, a lamp, etc.The electric devices of the second group G2 vary their operation timesaccording to the demand of a consumer. Such electric devices are alwaysdriven in the same manner as in a refrigerator or a kimchi refrigeratorand the operation algorithms of the electric devices are changed inresponse to consumer demand, such that it is impossible to predict aspecific time where the operation condition of the electric device ischanged. In other words, it is impossible for the above-mentionedelectric device to establish or predict a current operation algorithmmaintenance time.

The first group G1 or the second group G2 includes a standby level wherethe standby state is maintained without the execution of functions ofthe electric devices. In the case of the second group G2, an operationtime for each operation level is set to “NA”.

In this case, the operation level is established on the basis of atleast one of average power consumption and an operation time, and theaverage power consumption and the operation time are decided accordingto an operation algorithm.

The third group G3 includes a cooktop or electric oven, an operationalgorithm of which must be changed according to the user's intention,and further includes a printer, an output paper quality of which isgreatly deteriorated when an operation algorithm is changed. In moredetail, when the operation algorithm is automatically changed, theoutput paper quality is deteriorated, such that the printer is unable toestablish an operation level. In the case of each electric device of thethird group, an operation level of the electric device is notestablished because it is impossible to establish an operation level ofthe electric device, and the electric device includes only maximuminstantaneous power and average power consumption information.

The first controller 320 receives a drive signal of at least oneelectric device 400 (400 a, 400 b, or 400 c), confirms the group of thecorresponding electric device using the list of groups stored in thefirst storage unit 330, confirms a power rate level, and performs anoperation level decision process of the corresponding group on the basisof the power rate level and the power information of the electric device400, such that it decides an operation level of the electric device 400.

In more detail, if an electric device to be driven belongs to the firstgroup, the first controller 320 calculates power rate for each operationlevel. A discomfort degree for each operation level is reflected in thecalculated power rate for each operation level, such that each levelvalue is calculated. A specific level corresponding to a minimum levelvalue is set to an operation level, and the driving of the electricdevice is controlled until reaching an operation end time at anoperation level decided at the operation start time of the electricdevice.

In this case, the term “discomfort degree” indicates a user's degree ofdiscomfort in response to an operation level, and a predetermined valueis assigned to each operation level. For example, the operation level“L1” is assigned to the discomfort degree “0”, the operation level “L2”is assigned to the discomfort degree “10”, the operation level “L3” isassigned to the discomfort degree “20”, and the operation level “L4” isassigned to the discomfort degree “30”.

In addition, the discomfort degree is preset to a percentage of eachoperation level according to a total number of operation levels.

For example, provided that the total number of operation levels to theexclusion of the standby level (L0) is 3, the operation level “L1” isassigned the discomfort degree “(0/3)*100%”, the operation level “L2” isassigned the discomfort degree “(1/3)*100%”, the operation level “L3” isassigned the discomfort degree “(2/3)*100%”, and the operation level“L0” is assigned the discomfort degree “(3/3)*100%”.

For example, provided that the total number of operation levels to theexclusion of the standby level (L0) is 4, the operation level “L1” isassigned the discomfort degree “(0/4)*100%”, the operation level “L2” isassigned the discomfort degree “(1/4)*100%”, the operation level “L3” isassigned the discomfort degree “(2/4)*100%”, the operation level “L4” isassigned the discomfort degree “(3/4)*100%”, and the operation level“L0” is assigned the discomfort degree “(4/4)*100%”.

In addition, the discomfort degree may be established according to theincreasing operation time for each operation level, or may beestablished according to the power rates varying with an operation timefor each operation level.

If the electric device 400 to be driven is in the first group or thesecond group, the first controller 320 determines variation in powerrate level within a predetermined time. If a power rate level to bechanged is lower than a current power rate level, the first controller320 determines a standby time until a variation start time of a powerrate level is reached, and controls the first display 340 and the firstsound unit 350, so that it indicates a standby time.

If the electric device 400 to be driven is contained in a second group,the first controller 320 decides an operation level using the followingfirst to third operation level decision processes.

The first operation level decision process calculates an averageoperation time of the electric device 400, assumes that the electricdevice 400 is operated during the average operation time, calculates thepower rates (electricity bill) for each operation level, reflects adiscomfort degree for each operation level in the power rate for eachoperation level so as to calculate each level value. The first operationlevel decision process decides a specific level having a minimum levelvalue to be an operation level, and controls the driving of the electricdevice until an operation end time at an operation level decided at theoperation start time of the electric device is reached.

The second operation level decision process calculates an averageoperation time of the electric device 400, combines individual operationlevels on the basis of the number of power rate level variationsencountered during the average operation time, calculates the power ratefor each combination on the basis of each power rate level, reflects adiscomfort degree for each operation level so as to calculate each levelvalue, and decides a specific level having a minimum level value to bean operation level. In other words, provided that N operation levels areestablished, if the power rate level is changed three times, N³combinations are generated.

The third operation level decision process calculates the power ratelevel for each operation level in the range from an operation start timeof the electric device to a specific time where the power rate level ischanged to another. The third operation level decision process reflectsa discomfort degree for each operation level in the power rate for eachoperation level so as to calculate each level value. In addition, aspecific level having a minimum level value is determined to be anoperation level, so that the third operation level decision processcontrols the driving of the electric device 400 at an operation leveldecided at the operation start time of the electric device. The thirdoperation level decision process re-decides an operation level wheneverthe power rate level is changed, indicates the re-decision of theoperation level by controlling the first display 340 and the first soundunit 350, and controls the driving of the electric device 400 at there-decided operation level in the range from a power rate level changestart time.

As described above, the variation in power rate in response to thechanged operation level and the user's discomfort are simultaneouslyconsidered, such that the optimum operation level can be decided.

If the electric device to be driven is in the third group, the firstcontroller 320 decides a specific time having a minimum power rate foreach power rate level, and indicates the decided time as a recommendedoperation time by controlling the first display 340 and the first soundunit 350.

If the decided operation level exceeds the predetermined allowedinstantaneous power or the monthly predetermined maximum power rate, thefirst controller 320 controls the electric device to be maintained atthe standby level (L0).

The first controller 320 decides a change time of a power rate level, achanged power rate level, and an operation level of the changed powerrate level, and informs the decided result through the first display 340and the first sound unit 350. In addition, the first controller 320calculates the power rate for each operation level at the power ratelevel to be changed, and indicates the calculated power rate for eachoperation level and associated operation time through the first display340 and the first sound unit 350.

Provided that a plurality of electric devices 400 is present, if thedriving of the electric devices (400: 400 a, 400 b, 400 c) is commandedand the operation levels of the electric devices (400: 400 a, 400 b, 400c) are decided according to the priority, and if the predictedinstantaneous power to be generated when the several electric devicesare driven exceeds the allowed instantaneous power, the electric devicesarranged in ascending numerical order are controlled to have a standbylevel (L0).

In addition, the first controller 320 decides the operation level of theelectric device to be driven to be the lowest operation level. In thiscase, if the predicted instantaneous power to be generated exceeds theallowed instantaneous power, the electric devices arranged in ascendingnumerical order may also be controlled to sequentially enter the standbylevel (L0) as necessary.

In this case, the priorities of the electric devices (400: 400 a, 400 b,400 c) may be pre-established and stored, or may be entered by aconsumer or user and then stored or changed.

The first controller 320 sums the maximum instantaneous power of theelectric devices to be driven on the basis of information stored in thefirst storage unit 330 so that it predicts the instantaneous poweraccording to the sum of maximum instantaneous power. The firstcontroller 320 compares the predicted instantaneous power with theallowed instantaneous power. If the predicted instantaneous power isequal to or higher than the allowed instantaneous power, the operationsof the electric devices arranged in ascending numerical priority orderare controlled to be sequentially delayed. Otherwise, if the predictedinstantaneous power is less than the allowed instantaneous power,individual electric devices are controlled to be normally drivenaccording to the decided operation level.

If the power rate corresponding to current power consumption approachesthe monthly predetermined power rate or if the current power rateexceeds the monthly predetermined power rate, the first controller 320controls the first display 340 and the first sound unit 350 and informsthe consumer of the controlled result.

In this way, differential operation algorithms of individual operationlevels are properly controlled according to the power rate level, suchthat the electric devices 40 can be effectively driven, resulting inreduction in power consumption.

If the current instantaneous power exceeds the allowed instantaneouspower of each electric device (400: 400 a, 400 b, 400 c), the firststorage unit 330 stores the priority to be controlled in a standbylevel, stores the group of each electric device, and also stores powerinformation (e.g., maximum instantaneous power, average powerconsumption, and operation time) of each electric device.

The first storage unit 300 stores a discomfort degree for each operationlevel, and also stores consumer information. In this case, the consumerinformation may include the monthly predetermined power rate, theallowed instantaneous power information, and the consumer's personalinformation.

The first display 340 displays the power rate level of a current time orthe power rate level for each time period of the previous day, displaysthe current power rate, and displays an operation level of the electricdevice to be driven. If the electric device is driven at the displayedoperation level, the first display 340 displays the power rate. Then,when the electric device is driven, the first display 340 displays theoperation state of the driven electric device.

In addition, the first display 340 may further display operation timesand power rate for each operation level of an electric device to bedriven.

If a current power rate level is changed, the first display 340 displaysthe changed power rate level as a text message, and also displays a timeconsumed until the current power rate level is changed to another powerrate level as a text message.

The first display 340 may display the allowed instantaneous power, andmay also display the power rates assessed until the current time.

If the operation level of the electric device is changed to another by auser or consumer, the first display 340 displays the changed operationlevel and associated power rates.

If the electric device to be driven is in the third group G3, the firstdisplay 340 displays a recommended operation time of the correspondingelectric device having the effective power saving effect.

The first sound unit 350 outputs the next power rate level as a voicesignal, and also outputs a time consumed until the next power rate levelas a voice signal.

The first sound unit 350 audibly outputs the operation level of theelectric device to be driven and the power rates corresponding to theoperation level, such that the user or consumer can easily recognize theoutput operation level and the power rates.

In addition, the first sound unit 350 may also audibly output theoperation time and the power rate for each operation level of theelectric device to be driven.

When the current operation level of the electric device is changed bythe user or consumer, the first sound unit audibly outputs the changedoperation level and the power rates corresponding to the changedoperation level, such that the consumer can easily recognize the changedoperation level and the power rates.

The first sound unit 350 audibly outputs information about the excess ofthe allowed instantaneous power and information about the excess of themonthly predetermined power rates.

The first input unit 360 receives information regarding the consumer,transmits the received information to the first controller 230, receivespriority information of several electric devices, and transmits thereceived priority information to the first controller 320. If theoperation level of the electric device to be driven is selected by aconsumer or user, the selected operation level is transmitted to thefirst controller 320.

The first input unit 360 may be integrated with the first display 340,thereby forming a touchscreen.

As described above, the power management system classifies severaldifferent operation levels in order for the user to select the powerconsumption or the operation time, such that it can decide an operationlevel suitable for the variation in the power rate level, therebyeffectively utilizing power according to the power rate levels.

The electric device 400 transmits predetermined information to the powermanagement apparatus 300. In this case, the predetermined informationincludes device name information and power information. In other words,the electric device 400 transmits power information for each operationlevel to the power management apparatus 300. If the consumer or usercommands the electric device to be driven or a current time reaches areserved time, the operation algorithm is executed at an operation leveldecided by the power management apparatus 300 and thus the correspondingelectric device is driven.

In this case, the power information for each operation level may bepredetermined by a manufacturer of the electric device, or may also beestablished by the consumer or user.

In addition, if the user or consumer does not want to drive the electricdevice 300 at the operation level predetermined by the operation leveldecision process, the electric device 400 may directly receive theoperation level from the consumer or user and then be driven asnecessary.

In this case, the above-mentioned operation for directly receiving theoperation level from the consumer or user may be entered through thepower management apparatus 300 or the electric device 400.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric device 400 includes a second storageunit 410, a second controller 420, a second communication unit 430, asecond input unit 440, a second display 450, a second sound unit 460 anda power metering unit 470.

The second storage unit 410 stores device name information, storesmaximum instantaneous power for each operation level, average power foreach operation level, an operation time indicating a power consumptiontime, and operation algorithm information, and then stores not onlymaximum instantaneous power for each function constructing the operationalgorithm but also average power consumption for each function.

In addition, the second storage unit 410 stores a maximum instantaneouspower corresponding to a standby level, average power, and operationtime information indicating a power consumption time. In this case, ifit is impossible to establish the operation time, the operation time maybe stored as ‘NA’.

The maximum instantaneous power, the average power, and the operationtime indicating the power consumption time may be provided from amanufacturing company of the electric device, or may be a value measuredin real time depending on the execution of the corresponding operationalgorithm and be updated.

FIG. 4A exemplarily shows not only power information for each operationlevel of a washing machine but also operation algorithm information ofthe washing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4B exemplarilyshows not only power information for each operation level of anair-conditioner but also operation algorithm information of theair-conditioner according to the embodiment.

In this case, the operation level may be established on the basis of atleast one of the average power consumption and the operation time, andthe average power consumption and the operation time may be decidedaccording to the operation algorithm.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the washing machine includes three operationlevels (L1, L2, L3) and a standby level (L0).

The standby level (L0) indicates a standby state of the washing machine,such that it can be readily recognized that the maximum instantaneouspower is 0.019 kW, the average power consumption is 0.019 kW, and theoperation time is zero.

The operation levels (L1, L2, L3) of the washing machine have differentfunctions. As the operation level gradually moves from one operationlevel L1 to another operation level L3, the operation algorithm is moresimplified. Accordingly, as the operation level moves from L1 to L3, themaximum instantaneous power and the average power consumption arereduced, and the operation time is also reduced.

In other words, in the case of the washing machine, the operationalgorithm functions (e.g., a washing time, a rinsing time, a dehydrationtime, the number of repetitions, water temperature, motor speed, etc.)are differentially applied to the washing machine according toindividual operation levels, such that a difference may occur in powerconsumption.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the air-conditioner includes a standby level (L0)and four operation levels (L1, L2, L3, L4).

The standby level (L0) indicates a standby state of the air-conditioner,such that it can be readily recognized that the maximum instantaneouspower is 0.02 kW, the average power consumption is 0.02 kW, and theoperation time is zero.

The operation levels (L1, L2, L3, L4) of the washing machine havedifferential operation algorithms. As the operation level graduallymoves from the first operation level L1 to the fourth operation levelL4, the maximum instantaneous power and the average power consumption ofthe operation algorithm can be reduced.

In other words, in the case of the air-conditioner, the operationalgorithm functions (e.g., an indoor-unit filter operation, anoutdoor-unit frequency, an indoor-unit super purification (SP) functionoperation, an indoor-unit driving, etc.) are differentially applied tothe air-conditioner, such that a difference may occur in powerconsumption.

Although the operation level is defined as a combination of a suitableoperation and a suitable condition in consideration of productcharacteristics by the manufacturing company of the electric device, theabove-mentioned operation level may be additionally generated by aconsumer as necessary.

If a signal for additionally registering the electric device 400 isinput to the power management apparatus 300, the second controller 420extracts a device name, maximum instantaneous power for each operationlevel, average power consumption, and operation time information frominformation stored in the second storage unit 410, and transmits theextracted information to the power management apparatus 300.

Upon receiving a driving command message, the second controller 420controls the device driving using the operation algorithm correspondingto the operation level transmitted from the power management apparatus300.

Provided that the objective electric device belongs to the third group(G3), if the second controller 420 receives an operation start signalfrom the consumer, the second controller 420 controls the driving usingthe operation algorithm corresponding to a command from the consumer.For example, if the electric device contained in the third group G3 is astove (called a cooktop), the heat intensity corresponding to thedriving command of the consumer is adjusted such that food can be cookedat a temperature desired by the consumer.

If the second controller 420 receives an operation level addition signalfrom the user (or consumer), it controls the driving of the seconddisplay 450 so as to display a plurality of functions. In addition, ifat least one function selected by the user and an operation algorithmcorresponding to the operation time of the at least one function areinput to the second controller 420, the second controller 420additionally generates the operation level corresponding to theoperation algorithm entered by the user, generates maximum instantaneouspower and average power information in association with the at least oneuser-selected function or operation time on the basis of informationstored in the second storage unit 410, and transmits power informationof the additionally generated operation level to the power managementunit 300 through the second communication unit 430.

In this case, the maximum instantaneous power and average powerinformation for each function may also be obtained from powerinformation measured at the past driving information of the electricdevice.

In this case, the second controller 420 extracts the same information(maximum instantaneous power, average power consumption, operation time,etc.) contained in the existing operation level from the second storageunit 410 when the additional operation level is registered by theconsumer, and controls the second display 450 to display theabove-mentioned information, such that power information of theoperation level to be added can be easily recognized.

The second communication unit 430 transmits information of the electricdevice 400 to the first communication unit 310 of the power managementapparatus 300 upon receiving a command from the second controller 420,and transmits operation level information transmitted from the firstcommunication unit 310 of the power management apparatus 300 to thesecond controller 420.

The second input unit 440 receives a driving indication signal from theuser or receives reservation time information from the user, andtransmits the received signal to the second controller 420. In addition,the second input unit 440 may also receive an operation level when thedriving of the second input unit 440 is indicated.

The second input unit 440 receives an operation level addition signalfrom the user, and transmits the received signal to the secondcontroller 420. In addition, if the operation level is added, the secondinput unit 440 receives at least one function from among severalfunctions, and transmits the received function to the second controller420.

The second display 450 displays an operation level and an operationstate when the electric device is driven, and then displays a changedoperation level when the power rate level is changed.

The second display 450 displays a plurality of functions when theoperation level is added, and displays the same information (e.g.,maximum instantaneous power, average power consumption, operation time,etc.) contained in the existing operation level.

The second sound unit 460 outputs a sound signal at the operation starttime and the operation end time of the electric device, informs the userof the operation start time and the operation end time of the electricdevice, and outputs a sound signal when the power rate level is changedso that the user can easily recognize a variation time of the power ratelevel through the output sound signal.

The power metering unit 470 measures power in real time when theelectric device 400 is driven, and transmits the measured powerinformation to the second controller 420, such that it can detect actualpower consumed by the electric device 400 and power information for eachoperation level stored in the second storage unit 410 can be updated.

The power metering unit 470 performs power management not only using avoltage signal detected at both ends of the AC power line connected to apower connector of the electric device 400, but also using a currentsignal detected at either one of the AC power lines connected to thepower connector.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a powermanagement system according to one embodiment, and a detaileddescription of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 will hereinafter bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

FIG. 6 exemplarily shows a method for deciding an operation level of anelectric device belonging to a first or second group including thestandby level control. FIGS. 7A and 7B exemplarily show a method fordeciding an operation level of an electric device belonging to the firstgroup. FIGS. 8A and 8B exemplarily show a method for deciding anoperation level of an electric device belonging to the second group.

If the power management apparatus 300 receives a signal for adding a newelectric device 400 according to electric device registration for powercontrol at operation 501, it communicates with the new electric device400 so as to receive information of the new electric device 400 atoperation 502.

In this case, the information of the electric device 400 may include adevice name and power information, etc. In the case of the first groupG1 or the second group G2, the power information may be maximuminstantaneous power for each operation level, average power consumption,information of an operation time during which power is consumed.

It is impossible to establish an operation level of the electric devicecontained in the third group G3. If the electric device is in the thirdgroup G3, power information may be maximum instantaneous power, averagepower consumption, etc.

The power management apparatus 300 determines a specific group includinga new electric device on the basis of power information for eachoperation level of the electric device 400 (400 a, 400 b, 400 c) atoperation 503, and stores not only information of a group including thedetermined electric device but also power information at operation 504.

In more detail, when determining a group including the new electricdevice, the power management apparatus 300 determines whether anoperation time is established in power information for each operationlevel. If the operation time is established, the first group G1 isdecided. Otherwise, if the operation time is not established, the powermanagement apparatus 300 determines whether the operation level can beestablished. In this case, if the operation level can be established,the second group G2 is decided. Otherwise, if the operation level is notestablished, the third group G3 is decided.

The power management apparatus 300 determines whether it receives adriving signal from at least one electric device 400 (400 a, 400 b, 400c) at operation 505. If the power management apparatus 300 receives thedriving signal from the at least one electric device 400 (400 a, 400 b,400 c), the power management apparatus 300 compares the current powerrate level received from the power provider 100 with the next power ratelevel at operation 506. In this case, if the next power rate level isless than the current power rate level, the power management apparatus300 determines a time ranging from the current time point to the powerrate level variation time, and compares the determined time with apredetermined time at operation 507. If the determined time is shorterthan the predetermined time, the power management apparatus 300 informsthe user of the standby time as a text message or sound at operation508.

In this case, the power management apparatus may receive only power rateinformation from the power provider 100, decide a power rate level onthe basis of the received power rate information, and compare thecurrent power rate level with the next power rate level.

In this case, the standby time is consumed from the current time pointto the next time point at which the power rate level is changed, suchthat the standby level can be maintained without executing the functionof the electric device.

In this case, the power management apparatus 300 determines whether theuser or consumer enters a driving indication signal at operation 509. Ifthe user enters the driving indication signal, the power managementapparatus 300 searches for the group list so as to confirm thecorresponding electric device group.

The power management apparatus 300 determines whether the electricdevice is in the third group after recognizing the group of the nextelectric device at operation 510. If the electric device is notcontained in the third group, the power management apparatus 300performs an operation level decision process of the corresponding groupon the basis of the current power rate level at operation 511, such thatit determines the operation level and informs the user of the determinedoperation level using a text message or sound at operation 514.

Under the condition that the remaining time consumed until the powerrate level is changed is shorter than the predetermined time, if theuser does not enter the driving indication signal, the electric device400 is maintained at a standby level during the standby time. If thestandby time has elapsed at operation 512, the power managementapparatus 300 searches for the list of the electric device groups andconfirms the group of the corresponding electric device.

After confirming the next electric device group, the power managementapparatus 300 determines whether the objective electric device is in thethird group. If the electric device is not contained in the third group,the power management apparatus 300 performs the operation level decisionprocess of the corresponding group on the basis of the next power ratelevel at operation 513, such that the operation level is determined.Then, the power management apparatus 300 informs the user of thedetermined operation level using a text message or sound at operation514.

Referring to FIG. 6, if the power rate level moves from the currentpower rate level DR4 to the next power rate level DR3, the powermanagement apparatus 300 controls each electric device of each group G1or G2 to stay at the standby level L0 until the power rate level reachesDR3. If the power rate level reaches DR3, the power management apparatus300 decides the optimum operation level to be the power rate level DR3,and controls each electric device of each group G1 or G2 using anoperation algorithm corresponding to the determined operation level.

For example, if the operation level of the electric device of the firstgroup G1 is determined to be L2, the electric device is controlled inthe standby level L0. Thereafter, from a specific time at which thepower rate level is changed to DR3, the electric device of the firstgroup G1 is driven by the operation algorithm corresponding to L2.

The second group G2 is controlled in the standby level L0 and theoperation level for the power rate level DR3 is then determined. In thiscase, if the operation level is determined to be L2, the electric deviceof the second group G2 is driven by the operation algorithmcorresponding to L1 before the power rate level is changed to DR2. Ifthe power rate level is changed to DR1, the optimum operation level forthe power rate level DR1 is re-determined. In this case, if thedetermined operation level is L3, the electric device is driven usingthe operation algorithm corresponding to the operation level L3.

The operations 511 and 513 for performing the operation level decisionof the corresponding group on the basis of the power rate level willhereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B and 8C.

If the electric device to be driven is in the first group, the powermanagement apparatus 300 calculates the power rates (electricity bills)for each operation level, reflects a discomfort degree for eachoperation level into the power rate for each operation level, andcalculates each level value. Thereafter, the power management apparatus300 determines an operation level having a minimum level value to be anoptimum operation level, and drives the electric device at thedetermined operation level. A detailed description thereof willhereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 7A.

Referring to FIG. 7A, if the electric device indicating the washingmachine is in the first group, the power rate for each operation levelcan be calculated as follows. In this case, it is assumed that the powerrate level DR1 is 20

/kWh, the power rate level DR2 is 40

/kWh, the power rate level DR3 is 60

/kWh, and the power rate level DR4 is 80

/kWh. In addition, it is assumed that the operation level L1 is set to adiscomfort degree ‘0’, the operation level L2 is set to a discomfortdegree ‘10’, and the operation level L3 is set to a discomfort degree‘20’.

Operation Level L1: 1.13 kW*(40

/kWh*0.7 h+80

/kWh*1.1 h+60

/kWh*1.3 h)=

219.22

Operation Level L2: 0.14 kW*(40

/kWh*0.7 h+80

/kWh*1.1 h+60

/kWh*0.2 h)=

17.92

Operation Level L3: 0.11 kW*(40

/kWh*0.7 h+80

/kWh*0.6 h)=

8.36

If the electric device is driven at the operation level L1, the powerrates of

219.22 are expected. If the electric device is driven at the operationlevel L2, power rates of

17.92 are expected. If the electric device is driven at the operationlevel L3, power rates of

8.36 are expected. If the discomfort degree for each operation level isreflected into the power rate for each operation level, the level valueof

219.22 is calculated at the operation level L1, the level value of

27.92 is calculated at the operation level L2, and the level value of

28.36 is calculated at the operation level L3, such that it can bereadily recognized that the lowest level is L2.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, during 2 hours from the current timepoint, the washing machine acting as the electric device is driven bythe operation algorithm corresponding to L2.

If the electric device 400 to be driven is determined to be theair-conditioner and is in the second group, the power managementapparatus 300 determines the operation level using the following threeoperation level decision processes.

The first operation level decision process calculates an averageoperation time of the electric device 400, assumes that the electricdevice 400 is driven for the average operation time, and calculates thepower rate for each operation level. In addition, the first operationlevel decision process calculates the power rate for each operationlevel, reflects a discomfort degree for each operation level in thepower rate for each operation level, calculates each level value, anddetermines a specific level having a minimum level value to be anoperation level.

Referring to FIG. 8A, if the electric device to be driven is anair-conditioner contained in the second group, the power rates ofindividual operation levels can be calculated as follows. In this case,it is assumed that the power rate level DR1 is 20

/kWh, the power rate level DR2 is 40

/kWh, the power rate level DR3 is 60

/kWh, and the power rate level DR4 is 80

/kWh. In addition, it is assumed that the operation level L1 is set to adiscomfort degree ‘0’, the operation level L2 is set to a discomfortdegree ‘10’, the operation level L3 is set to a discomfort degree ‘20’,the operation level L4 is set to a discomfort degree ‘30’, and theaverage operation time is set to 2 hours.

Operation Level L1: 3.23 kW*(40

/kWh*0.5 h+80

/kWh*0.6 h+60

/kWh*0.9 h)=

394.06

Operation Level L2: 2.86 kW*(40

/kWh*0.5 h+80

/kWh*0.6 h+60

/kWh*0.9 h)=

348.92

Operation Level L3: 2.23 kW*(40

/kWh*0.5 h+80

/kWh*0.6 h+60

/kWh*0.9 h)=

272.06

Operation Level L4: 1.21 kW*(40

/kWh*0.5 h+80

/kWh*0.6 h+60

/kWh*0.9 h)=

147.62

If the discomfort degree for each operation level is reflected in thepower rate for each operation level, the level value of

394.06 is calculated at the operation level L1, the level value of

358.92 is calculated at the operation level L2, the level value of

297.06 is calculated at the operation level L3, and the level value of

177.62 is calculated at the operation level L4, such that it can bereadily recognized that the smallest level is L4.

Accordingly, the air-conditioner serving as the electric device isdriven by the operation algorithm corresponding to the operation levelL4 in the range from the current time point.

The second operation level decision process calculates the averageoperation time of the electric device 400, combines individual operationlevels on the basis of the number of power rate level variationsencountered in the average operation time, calculates the power rate foreach combination on the basis of each power rate level, reflects adiscomfort degree for each operation level so as to calculate each levelvalue, and decides a specific level having a minimum level value to bean operation level. In other words, provided that N operation levels areestablished, if the power rate level is changed three times, N³combinations are generated.

Referring to FIG. 8B, if the electric device to be driven is anair-conditioner contained in the second group, the power rates ofindividual operation levels can be calculated as follows. In this case,it is assumed that the power rate level DR1 is 20

/kWh, the power rate level DR2 is 40

/kWh, the power rate level DR3 is 60

/kWh, and the power rate level DR4 is 80

/kWh. In addition, it is assumed that the air-conditioner includes threeoperation levels, operation level L1 is set to a discomfort degree ‘0’,operation level L2 is set to a discomfort degree ‘10’, operation levelL3 is set to a discomfort degree ‘20’, and the average operation time isset to 2 hours.

27 combinations (i.e., L1+L1+L1, L1+L1+L2, L1+L1+L3, L1+L2+L1, L1+L3+L1,. . . , L3+L3+L3, etc.) are generated for individual operation levels,the power rate generated for 2 hours of each combination is calculated,a discomfort degree is reflected in each operation level so as tocalculate a level value, and an operation level having a minimum levelvalue is determined to be an optimum operation level.

Referring to FIG. 8B, in the range from the current time point to thenext time point at which the initial power rate level begins to bechanged, the air-conditioner acting as the electric device is driven atthe operation level L1. Then, the air-conditioner serving as theelectric device is driven at the operation level L3 before the nextpower rate level is changed. After that, the air-conditioner acting asthe electric device is driven at the operation level L3 before the nextpower rate level begins to be changed.

In addition, if a signal for stopping the operation of the electricdevice is entered by the consumer while the electric device is driven,the electric device stops operation.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the third operation level decision processcalculates the power rate level for each operation level in the rangefrom an operation start time of the electric device to a specific timewhere the power rate level is changed to another. The third operationlevel decision process reflects a discomfort degree for each operationlevel into the power rate for each operation level so as to calculateeach level value. In addition, a specific level having a minimum levelvalue is determined to be an operation level, so that the thirdoperation level decision process controls the driving of the electricdevice 400 at an operation level decided at the operation start time ofthe electric device. The third operation level decision processre-decides an operation level whenever the power rate level is changed,indicates the re-decision of the operation level by controlling thefirst display 340 and the first sound unit 350, and controls the drivingof the electric device 400 at the re-decided operation level in therange from a power rate level change start time.

In this case, it is possible to change a current level to another levelaccording to the power rate level variation.

Thereafter, it is determined whether another operation level is selectedby the consumer at operation 515. If the consumer does not selectanother operation level, information about the determined operationlevel is transmitted to the electric device at operation 516, and theelectric device is driven by the operation algorithm corresponding tothe transmitted operation level at operation 517.

On the other hand, if another operation level is selected by theconsumer, information about the selected operation level is transmittedto the electric device at operation 518, and the electric device isdriven by the operation algorithm corresponding to the transmittedoperation level at operation 517.

In the case of determining the electric device group, if the electricdevice is in the third group, an operation time having a minimum powerrate is determined on the basis of the maximum instantaneous power andthe average power consumption of the corresponding electric device, andthe determined operation time is recommended at operation 519. In otherwords, the power management apparatus informs the user or consumer ofthe recommended operation time using a text message or sound signal.

If the operation level for driving the electric device exceeds either apredetermined allowed instantaneous power or a monthly predeterminedpower rate, the power management apparatus controls the electric deviceto remain at the standby level L0.

In addition, the electric device 400 is controlled in the standby level,and each of a power rate level variation time, a changed power ratelevel, and an operation level for the changed power rate level isindicated as a text message or sound.

If several electric devices 400 are present and the driving operationsof the electric devices 400 (400 a, 400 b, 400 c) are simultaneouslyindicated, the power management apparatus 300 determines the operationlevels of several electric devices 400 (400 a, 400 b, 400 c) accordingto priorities.

The power management apparatus 300 sums the maximum instantaneous poweramounts of several electric devices to be driven so as to predictinstantaneous power, and compares the predicted instantaneous power withthe allowed instantaneous power. If the predicted instantaneous powerexceeds the allowed instantaneous power, electric devices sequentiallyenter the standby level in ascending numerical order of prioritiesassigned to several electric devices.

If the predicted instantaneous power is lower than the allowedinstantaneous power, the power management apparatus 300 drives theelectric devices using the operation algorithm corresponding to thedetermined operation level of the electric devices of each group G1 orG2 controlled at the standby level.

In addition, if the current electricity bill is close to or higher thanthe monthly predetermined electricity bill, the power managementapparatus 300 may inform the user of this situation using a text messageor sound.

In this way, the power management apparatus simultaneously considers notonly electricity bill variation caused by operation level variation butalso user inconvenience (i.e., a degree of discomfort) caused by thevariation of electricity bill, such that it can determine an optimumoperation level.

In other words, differential operation algorithms of individualoperation levels are appropriately controlled according to power ratelevels, such that the electric device 400 can be effectively driven andpower consumption can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an electric device according toanother embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the electric device accordingto the other embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit410, a controller 420, a communication unit 430, an input unit 440, adisplay 450, a sound unit 460, and a power metering unit 470.

The electric device 400 communicates with the smartmeter 200. Thesmartmeter 200 communicates with the power provider 100. In this case,communication may be any of wired communication, wireless communication,wired/wireless hybrid communication, etc.

The power provider 100 is used as a power supply source that is drivenby a power supply company (utility company) which generates and suppliespower. The power provider 100 generates the power through atomic energy,hydraulic power, geothermal power, wind power, etc., and provides thegenerated power to the electric device 400 installed in each home.

That is, the power provider 100 predicts power consumption on the basisof the generation amount of electric power, the past power consumptioninformation for every season and every period, and weather information,and determines power rates on the basis of the predicted powerconsumption. In this case, it may also be possible to establish a powerrate level corresponding to the predicted power rate as necessary, andthe established power rate level may also be sent to the smartmeter 200.

The smartmeter 200 is installed in each home, and includes a displaysuch as a liquid crystal display (LCD), such that power consumed in eachhome is displayed in real time. The smartmeter 200 is an electronicmeter, which bidirectionally communicates with the power provider 100and transmits the consumed power amount to the power provider 100 andthe electric device 400.

The smartmeter 200 receives power rate information from the powerprovider 100, and displays the received power rate information such thatthe user can view the displayed information.

The electric device 400 is driven on the basis of its own powerinformation and the power rate level of the power provider 100.

In this case, the number of the power rate levels may be 4 (DR1 to DR4),and a plurality of levels may have different power rates and differentallowed instantaneous powers. Let us assume that the number of powerrate levels is 4 (DR1 to DR4). In more detail, the power rate level DR1is the lowest power rate level, and the power rate level DR4 is thehighest power rate level. Power rate level is proportional to powerrate.

The storage unit 410 stores maximum instantaneous power for eachoperation level, average power for each operation level, an operationtime indicating a power consumption time, and operation algorithminformation, and then stores not only maximum instantaneous power foreach function constructing the operation algorithm but also averagepower consumption for each function. In addition, the storage unit 410stores maximum instantaneous power corresponding to a standby level,average power, and operation time information indicating a powerconsumption time.

In this case, if it is impossible to establish the operation time, theoperation time may be stored as ‘NA’.

The maximum instantaneous power, the average power, and the operationtime indicating the power consumption time may be provided from themanufacturing company of the electric device, or may be a value measuredin real time depending on the execution of the corresponding operationalgorithm and be updated.

The storage unit 410 stores a discomfort degree for each operation leveland information on the user or consumer. In this case, the userinformation may include the monthly predetermined power rate, theallowed instantaneous power information, and the user's personalinformation.

The controller 420 performs the operation level decision process on thebasis of the power rate level and then decides the operation level. Inthis case, the operation level decision process may be changed accordingto whether the operation time or the operation level is established.

Provided that the operation time is established, a detailed descriptionof the operation time is as follows.

The controller 420 reflects a power rate level, average powerconsumption for each operation level, an operation time for eachoperation level, and a discomfort degree for each operation level so asto determine an operation level according to the reflected result. Afterthat, the controller 420 controls the driving of the electric deviceuntil reaching the operation end time point at the operation leveldecided at the operation start time point.

The controller 420 determines whether the power rate level is changedwithin a predetermined time before the operation level is decided.Provided that the power rate level is changed, if the power rate levelto be changed is lower than the current power rate level, the controller420 determines a standby time consumed until the power rate level ischanged, controls the display 450 and the sound unit 460, and informsthe user of the standby time.

If the operation time is not established or is set to ‘NA’, and if theoperation level is also established, the operation level is determinedby any one of three operation level decision processes.

The first operation level decision process calculates the averageoperation time, and reflects the calculated average operation time,average power consumption, and a discomfort degree for each operationlevel, such that it determines an operation level according to thecalculated result.

The second operation level decision process calculates an averageoperation time, reflects the calculated average operation time, thenumber of power rate level variations encountered during the averageoperation time, an operation level combination corresponding to thenumber of power rate level variations, predicted electricity bill foreach operation level combination, average power consumption for eachcombination, and a discomfort degree for each operation level, so thatit can determine the operation level according to the reflected result.

The third operation level decision process reflects an operation timefrom an operation start time to a power rate level variation time, apower rate level, and a discomfort degree for each operation level, suchthat it determines the operation level according to the reflectedresult. The third operation level decision process re-decides theoperation level at a specific time where the power rate level ischanged, indicates the re-decision of the operation level by controllingthe display 450 and the sound unit 460, and controls the driving of theelectric device 400 at the re-decided operation level in the range froma power rate level change start time.

If the determined operation level of the electric device exceeds eithera predetermined allowed instantaneous power or a monthly predeterminedpower rate, the power management apparatus controls the electric deviceto stay in the standby level L0.

In addition, when the electric device 400 is controlled in the standbylevel, the controller 420 controls the display 450 and the sound unit460 such that it informs the user of a power rate level variation timepoint, a changed power rate level, and an operation level related to thechanged power rate level.

If the operation time is not established or is set to ‘NA’, or if theoperation level is not established, the controller 420 determines aspecific time where a minimum power rate is assigned to each power ratelevel, and indicates the determined time as a recommended operation timeby controlling the display 450 and the sound unit 460. If the userenters the operation start signal, the controller 420 controls thedriving of the electric device using the operation algorithmcorresponding to the user command.

If the controller 420 receives an operation level addition signal fromthe user, it controls the driving of the display 450 so as to display aplurality of functions. In addition, if at least one function selectedby the user and an operation algorithm corresponding to the operationtime of the at least one function are input to the controller 420, thecontroller 420 additionally generates the operation level correspondingto the operation algorithm entered by the user, and stores the generatedlevel in the storage unit 410.

In this case, the maximum instantaneous power and average powerinformation for each function constructing the operation algorithm mayalso be obtained from power information measured at the past drivinginformation of the electric device.

In this case, the controller 420 extracts the same information (maximuminstantaneous power, average power consumption, operation time, etc.)contained in the existing operation level from the second storage unit410 when the additional operation level is registered by the user, suchthat power information of the operation level to be added can be easilyrecognized.

The communication unit 430 communicates with the smartmeter 200,receives a power rate and the power rate level corresponding to thepower rate from the smartmeter 200, and transmits the receivedinformation to the controller 420, and the power measured by the powermetering unit 470 to the smartmeter 200.

If the user selects the operation level, the input unit 440 transmitsthe selected operation level to the controller 420, receives the drivingindication signal and the driving reservation time information, andtransmits the received information to the controller 420.

The input unit 440 may be integrated with the display 340, therebyforming a touchscreen.

The input unit 440 receives an operation level addition signal from theuser, and transmits the received signal to the controller 420. Inaddition, if the operation level is added, the second input unit 440receives at least one function from among several functions constructingthe operation algorithm, and transmits the received function to thecontroller 420.

The display 450 displays an operation level and the power rate valuewhen the electric device is driven at the operation level, and thendisplays an operation state when the electric device is driven.

In addition, the display 450 may also display the operation time foreach operation level and the power rate for each operation level asnecessary.

If the power rate level is changed, the display 450 displays the changedpower rate level as a text message, and also displays a time consumeduntil the power rate level is changed as a text message.

If the operation level of the electric device is changed by the user,the display 450 displays the changed operation level and the power ratevalue corresponding to the displayed operation level.

If the operation time and the operation level are not established, thedisplay 450 displays a recommended operation time of the correspondingelectric device capable of obtaining the effective power saving.

If the operation level is added, the display 450 displays a plurality offunctions, and displays the same information (maximum instantaneouspower, average power consumption, operation time, etc.) contained in theexisting operation level.

The sound unit 460 audibly outputs the determined operation level andits associated power rate value, audibly outputs the next power ratelevel, and also audibly outputs a time consumed until the current powerrate level is changed to another power rate level. If the operationlevel is changed to another by the user, the sound unit 460 audiblyoutputs the changed operation level and associated power rate value suchthat the user can easily recognize the output information.

The sound unit 460 outputs a sound signal at the operation start timepoint and the operation end time point, such that it informs the user ofthe operation start time point and the operation end time point.

The power metering unit 470 measures power of the driven electric devicein real time, transmits information of the measured power to thecontroller 420, such that it can detect the actual amount of powerconsumed by the electric device 400 and at the same time can updatepower information for each operation level stored in the storage unit410.

The power metering unit 470 performs power management not only using avoltage signal detected at both ends of the AC power line connected to apower connector of the electric device 400, but also using a currentsignal detected at either one of the AC power lines connected to thepower connector.

As described above, the power metering unit classifies several differentoperation levels in order for the user to select the power consumptionor the operation time, such that it can decide the operation levelsuitable for the variation in the power rate level.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electricdevice according to another embodiment. A detailed description of themethod for controlling the electric device will hereinafter be describedwith reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

The electric device 400 determines the input of the operation indicationsignal or the reserved time at operation 601, such that it determinesthe operation start time according to the determined result.

If it is necessary for the electric device 400 to start operation, theelectric device 400 compares the current power rate level received fromthe smartmeter 200 with the next power rate level at operation 602. Ifthe next power rate level is lower than the current power rate level,the electric device determines a time consumed from the current timepoint to the next time point where the power rate level is changed, andcompares the determined time with a predetermined time at operation 603.If the determined time is shorter than the predetermined time, thestandby time is indicated as a text message or sound at operation 604.

In this case, the standby time is consumed from the current time pointto the next time point at which the power rate level is changed, suchthat the standby level can be maintained without operating the electricdevice.

The electric device 400 determines whether the operation selectionsignal is entered by the user at operation 605. If the driving selectionsignal is entered by the user, the electric device 400 confirms whetherthe operation level is established at operation 606. If the operationlevel is established, it is confirmed whether the operation time of theelectric device 400 is established, such that the operation leveldecision process is carried out on the basis of the current power ratelevel according to the confirmed result at operation 607.

Under the condition that the remaining time consumed until the powerrate level is changed is shorter than the predetermined time, if theuser does not enter the operation selection signal, the electric device400 is maintained at a standby level during the standby time. If thestandby time has elapsed at operation 608, the operation level decisionprocess is carried out on the basis of the next power rate level atoperation 609.

A method for performing the operation level decision process on thebasis of the next power rate level will hereinafter be described withreference to the annexed drawings.

A detailed description of the operation level decision process when theoperation time is established will hereinafter be described.

The electric device 400 calculates the power rate for each operationlevel on the basis of the power rate level, reflects a discomfort degreefor each operation level in the power rate for each operation level soas to calculate each level value. The first operation level decisionprocess decides a specific level having a minimum level value to be anoperation level, and informs the user of the decided operation level atoperation 610.

If the operation time is not established or is set to ‘NA’, and if theoperation level is established, the operation level is determined by anyone of three operation level decision processes.

The first operation level decision process calculates the averageoperation time of the electric device, assumes that the electric deviceis operated during the average operation time, calculates the power ratefor each operation level, reflects a discomfort degree for eachoperation level in the power rate for each operation level so as tocalculate each level value. The first operation level decision processdecides a specific level having a minimum level value to be an operationlevel, and informs the user of the decided operation level at operation610.

The second operation level decision process calculates an averageoperation time of the electric device 400, combines individual operationlevels on the basis of the number of power rate level variationsencountered in the average operation time, calculates the power rate foreach combination on the basis of each power rate level, reflects adiscomfort degree for each operation level so as to calculate each levelvalue, decides a specific level having a minimum level value to be anoperation level, and informs the user of the decided operation level atoperation 610.

The third operation level decision process calculates the power ratevalue for each operation level in the range from an operation start timeto a specific time where the power rate level is changed. The thirdoperation level decision process reflects a discomfort degree for eachoperation level into the power rate for each operation level so as tocalculate each level value, decides a specific level having a minimumlevel value to be an operation level, and informs the user of thedecided operation level at operation 610.

In this case, the third operation level decision process re-decides anoperation level whenever the power rate level is changed, indicates there-decided operation level by controlling the display 450 and the soundunit 460, such that the user can recognize the re-decided operationlevel.

The electric device determines whether the user selects anotheroperation level at operation 611. If the user does not select anotheroperation level, the electric device is driven by the operationalgorithm corresponding to the determined operation level at operation612.

On the other hand, if the user selects another operation level, theelectric device 400 is driven by the operation algorithm correspondingto the selected operation level at operation 613.

If the operation level and the operation time are not established, theelectric device 400 decides the operation time having a minimum powerrate on the basis of the maximum instantaneous power and the averagepower consumption, recommends the decided operation time, and informsthe user of the recommended operation time using a text message orsound.

In the case of establish/deciding the operation level, if the operationlevel is not established, the power rate for each power rate level iscalculated, and the electric device decides a specific time having aminimum power rate to be an optimum operation time and recommends thedetermined time to the user at operation 614.

If the operation level exceeds either a predetermined allowedinstantaneous power or a monthly predetermined power rate, the electricdevice is controlled in the standby level L0 and is maintained in thestandby state.

In addition, the electric device 400 is controlled in the standby level,and each of a power rate level variation time, a changed power ratelevel, and an operation level for the changed power rate level isindicated as a text message or sound.

In this way, the electric device simultaneously considers not onlyelectricity bill variation caused by an operation level variation butalso user inconvenience (i.e., a discomfort degree) caused by thevariation of electricity bill, such that it can determine an optimumoperation level.

In other words, differential operation algorithms of individualoperation levels are appropriately controlled according to power ratelevels, such that the electric device 400 can be effectively driven andpower consumption can be reduced.

As is apparent from the above description, the electric device, thepower management apparatus including the same, and a method forcontrolling the power management apparatus according to the presentinvention perform different operation algorithms according to power rateinformation, and control power consumption of the electric device, suchthat energy efficiency at the user side can be maximized, resulting inreduction in electricity bills.

In addition, under the restrictions (e.g., the allowed instantaneouspower, the monthly predetermined power rate, the threshold power, etc.),the driving control of several electric devices can be optimized.

In response to the changed power rate information, the currently-drivenelectric device and the electric device to be driven can be driven atthe optimum operation level appropriate for their power consumptioncharacteristics.

In addition, the user can additionally establish the operationalgorithm, resulting in an increase in user satisfaction.

In addition, the power management apparatus can drive a plurality ofelectric devices according to priorities established by the user,resulting in an increase in user satisfaction.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it would beappreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made inthese embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit ofthe invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power manager comprising: a communication unitconfigured to receive power rate information from a power supplier; anda controller configured to determine an operation level of an electricdevice based on the power rate information and power information foreach operation level of the electric device and control an operation ofthe electric device at the determined operation level, wherein the powerinformation includes an operation time during which power is consumed,the controller determines a group of the electric device based on theoperation time of the electric device and determines the operation levelbased on the group of the electric device, and the group includes afirst group in which the operation time is allowed to be set, a secondgroup in which the operation time is not allowed to be set, and a thirdgroup in which the operation time and the operation level are notallowed to be set.
 2. The power manager of claim 1, wherein the powerinformation includes maximum power consumption and average powerconsumption.
 3. The power manager of claim 2, wherein the controllerreflects a power rate for each operation level and a degree ofdiscomfort for each operation level upon determining the operationlevel.
 4. The power manager of claim 3, wherein, when the electricdevice is in the first group, the controller determines the operationlevel in consideration of the power rate information, average powerconsumption for each operation level, an operation time for eachoperation level, and the degree of discomfort for each operation level.5. The power manager of claim 4, wherein, when the electric device is inthe first group, the controller controls the electric device at anoperation level determined at an operation start time of the electricdevice until an operation end time is reached.
 6. The power manager ofclaim 4, wherein, when the electric device is in the first group, thecontroller confirms a variation in power rate information within apredetermined time, and when the power rate is changed to a low level,the controller informs a user of a standby time consumed until the powerrate information is changed.
 7. The power manager of claim 3, wherein,when the electric device is in the second group, the controllercalculates an average operation time of the electric device anddetermines the operation level in consideration of the calculatedaverage operation time, the average power consumption, the power rateinformation, and the degree of discomfort for each operation level. 8.The power manager of claim 3, wherein, when the electric device is inthe second group, the controller calculates an average operation time ofthe electric device and determines the operation level in considerationof the calculated average operation time, the number of variations inpower rate information within the average operation time, the averagepower consumption, and the degree of discomfort for each operationlevel.
 9. The power manager of claim 3, wherein, when the electricdevice is in the second group, the controller determines the operationlevel in consideration of an operation time from an operation start timeof the electric device to a time at which the power rate information ischanged, the power rate information, and the degree of discomfort foreach operation level.
 10. The power manager of claim 3, wherein, whenthe electric device is in the second group, the controller controls theelectric device at an operation level determined at an operation starttime of the electric device and redetermines the operation level at atime at which the power rate information is changed.
 11. The powermanager of claim 10, further comprising: a display configured to displaythe redetermined operation level; and a sound unit configured to audiblyoutput the redetermined operation level.
 12. The power manager of claim11, wherein the operation level includes a standby level in which thepower information is set when the electric device stays in a standbystate.
 13. The power manager of claim 12, wherein, when the determinedoperation level exceeds predetermined allowed instantaneous power or apredetermined monthly power rate, the controller performs control at thestandby level.
 14. The power manager of claim 12, wherein the displaydisplays at least one of the determined operation level, an operationtime for each operation level, and the power rate for each operationlevel.
 15. The power manager of claim 12, wherein the sound unit audiblyoutputs at least one of the determined operation level, an operationtime for each operation level, and the power rate for each operationlevel.
 16. The power manager of claim 3, wherein, when the electricdevice is in the third group, the controller informs a user of a timehaving a minimum power rate for each piece of the power rateinformation.
 17. The power manager of claim 1, wherein, when theelectric device is provided in plurality and the plurality of electricdevices are simultaneously driven, the controller determines anoperation level according to priorities of the plurality of electricdevices.
 18. An electric device including information regarding aplurality of operation algorithms and power information for eachoperation level corresponding to the information regarding the pluralityof operation algorithms, the electric device comprising: a communicationunit configured to receive power rate information from a power supplier;a storage unit configured to store the information regarding theplurality of operation algorithms, the operation algorithms being basedon at least one of maximum power consumption, average power consumptionand an operation time during which power is consumed; and a controllerconfigured to determine an operation level of the electric device basedon the power rate information, the operation algorithm for eachoperation level of the electric device and a group to which the electricdevice belongs based on whether the operation time, the operation level,or combination of the operation time and the operation level are allowedto be set, and to control an operation of the electric device using adetermined operation algorithm corresponding to the determined operationlevel, wherein the group includes a first group in which the operationtime is allowed to be set, a second group in which the operation time isnot allowed to be set, and a third group in which the operation time andthe operation level are not allowed to be set.
 19. The electric deviceof claim 18, wherein the operation level includes a standby level inwhich the power information is set when the electric device stays in astandby state.
 20. The electric device of claim 18, further comprising:a display configured to display at least one of the determined operationlevel, an operation time for each operation level, and a power rate foreach operation level; and a sound unit configured to audibly output atleast one of the determined operation level, the operation time for eachoperation level, and an expected power rate for each operation level.21. The electric device of claim 18, further comprising an input unitconfigured to receive the operation level from a user and furtherreceive a setting for adding the operation level.
 22. The electricdevice of claim 21, wherein the input unit receives a signal for addingthe operation level from the user and additionally receives a functionconstituting the operation algorithm.
 23. The electric device of claim22, wherein the controller additionally sets the operation levelcorresponding to the additionally received function, and transmits powerinformation having the additionally set operation level to a powermanger.
 24. The electric device of claim 18, wherein the controllerfurther has a function of reflecting a degree of discomfort upondetermining the operation level.